Attachment system for watchband

ABSTRACT

Wearable electronic devices, such as watches, can be provided with an attachment system for connecting and releasing a removable module that interfaces with some portion of the electronic device. For example, a watch housing includes a main body having a channel for receiving a watchband and a first opening extending to the channel. A rear cover coupled to the main body provides a second opening. A unibody button is positioned between the main body and the rear cover. The button is biased against the rear cover and is moveable toward the channel to release a watchband engaged therein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/516,043, entitled “ATTACHMENT SYSTEM FOR WATCHBAND,” filed Jun. 6,2017, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present description relates generally to securement of wearabledevices, and, more particularly, to attachment systems for watchbands.

BACKGROUND

Some electronic devices may be removably attached to a user. Forexample, a wristwatch or fitness/health tracking device can be attachedto a user's wrist by joining free ends of a watchband together. In manycases, watchbands may have limited fit adjustment increments available.For example, some bands have an incrementally user-adjustable size(e.g., a buckling clasp, pin and eyelet, etc.) whereas other bands havea substantially fixed size, adjustable only with specialized toolsand/or expertise (e.g., folding clasp, deployment clasp, snap-fit clasp,etc.). Other bands may be elasticated expansion-type bands that stretchto fit around a user's wrist. The degree of comfort and securement ofthe electronic device to the user can depend on the function andarrangement of the watchband.

Consumer products such as watches, cameras, phones, purses, and glassesmay include one or more accessories attached thereto. The manner inwhich they are attached may be widely varied. However, they typicallysuffer from similar, if not the same, drawbacks. For example, manyconsumer products typically do not include user-friendly attachmentsystems. Some may require special tools and others may even requiretaking the consumer product into a shop in order to remove, fix orreplace the accessories. Furthermore, even when products have useroriented attachment mechanisms, they may not provide adequate retentionforce. Even if the retention force is adequate, the mechanism used maybe quite robust and large thereby adversely affecting the elegance ofthe consumer product.

In one example, wristwatches typically include a case and a band. Thecase carries the components or mechanisms of the wristwatch includingthe face. The band extends away from the case so that it can wrap aroundthe wrist of a user. The band may be integral with the case. However, inmost cases, the band is a separate part that is attached to the case.For example, the case may include a pin that captures the band therebyattaching the band to the case. In order to detach the band from thecase, the pin needs to be removed. In some instances, band removal canbe accomplished with a special tool. However, in many cases, the usermay need to visit a specialty store or have the assistance of technicianin order to remove the band.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in the appendedclaims. However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments of thesubject technology are set forth in the following figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a watch, in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a watch housing, in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a watch housing, in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a watch housing, in accordancewith some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a watch housing and a watchbandconnector, in accordance with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a watch housing and a watchband connectorof the section A-A of FIG. 3, in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the watch housing and the watchbandconnector of FIG. 6, in accordance with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the watch housing and the watchbandconnector of FIG. 6, in accordance with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a watch housing and a watchband connector,in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a watch housing and a watchbandconnector, in accordance with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description ofvarious configurations of the subject technology and is not intended torepresent the only configurations in which the subject technology may bepracticed. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitutea part of the detailed description. The detailed description includesspecific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understandingof the subject technology. However, it will be clear and apparent tothose skilled in the art that the subject technology is not limited tothe specific details set forth herein and may be practiced without thesespecific details. In some instances, well-known structures andcomponents are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuringthe concepts of the subject technology.

Wearable electronic devices, such as watches, can be provided with anattachment system for connecting and releasing a removable module thatinterfaces with some portion of the electronic device. For example, awatch can include watchbands that connect to a watch housing and securethe watch housing to a wrist of a user. The watchbands engage with arelated or corresponding module, recess, aperture, or component of thewatch housing.

Attachment systems for such modules are desired to provide secureretention, ease of release, and aesthetic qualities. For example, anattachment system for a watch is desired to retain and selectivelyrelease a watchband without adversely affecting look and feel of thewatch. As the parts for such a system can be small, precise fabricationwith low tolerances are preferred so the parts are responsive tooperation by a user.

A button can be provided for retaining and releasing an attachment unitof a watchband from a channel of a watch housing. Where the button ismade from multiple parts, the complexity and cost of fabrication can berelatively high. In some designs, the multiple parts of the button mustbe assembled within the watch housing, which is an additional step thatintroduces a risk of flawed assembly. The interconnection between parts(e.g., snap fit) can lead to poor performance as actuation of one partcan be improperly translated to other parts. Furthermore, the multipleparts can shift relative to each other, such that aesthetic features,such as surface alignment with respect to the watch housing, can bedifficult to achieve with precision.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a unibody button forretaining and releasing an attachment unit of a watchband from a channelof a watch housing. The button is moveably contained between the watchhousing and a rear cover, against which the button is biased. With aunibody construction, the button is able to be made with smalltolerances. Fabrication of a small unibody part is more straightforwardand less expensive than multiple constituent parts. The total number ofparts is reduced, thereby simplifying assembly. By eliminatinginterfaces between constituent parts of a button, activity (e.g.,forces, biasing, and engagement) at one portion of the button translatesdirectly to other portions thereof. Assembly tolerances and subsequentcosmetic variation of the button to the surrounding surfaces are reduceddue to elimination of the button assembly requirement.

FIG. 1 illustrates a watch 10 including a watch housing 30 that isuseable with an attachment unit 12 of an attachment system according toone or more embodiments of the present disclosure. It will beappreciated that the teachings relating to a watch can be applied toother electronic devices, including wearable and/or portable computingdevices. Examples include cell phones, smart phones, tablet computers,laptop computers, timekeeping devices, computerized glasses and otherwearable devices navigation devices, sports devices, accessory devices,health-monitoring devices, medical devices, wristbands, bracelets,jewelry, and/or the like.

According to some embodiments, one of the components included in thewatch 10 can be one or more I/O systems. For example, the watch 10 caninclude a touchscreen 20 configured to output various information aboutthe watch 10. The touchscreen 20 of the watch 10 can also be configuredto receive input. The watch 10 can also have other input and outputmechanisms. For example, the watch 10 can include or interface with oneor more buttons, a crown, keys, dials, trackpads, microphones and thelike.

The watch 10 can include a watch housing 30 and one or more attachmentunits 12 capable of being removably coupled to a main body 14 of thewatch housing 30. The watch housing 30 serves to surround a peripheralregion of the watch 10 as well as support the internal components of thewatch 10 in their assembled position. For example, the watch housing 30encloses and supports various internal components (including for exampleintegrated circuit chips, processors, memory devices and othercircuitry) to provide computing and functional operations for the watch10.

The watch 10 can utilize a watchband 18 for attaching the watch 10 to awrist. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the watchband 18 can include afirst band strap 62 attached to a first attachment unit 12 of the watch10 and a second band strap 64 attached to a second attachment unit 12 ofthe watch 10. In some embodiments, free ends of the first band strap 62and the second band strap 64 can be configured to be releasably attachedor secured to one another using a clasp 66 or other attachment mechanismto form a loop. This loop can then be used to attach the watch 10 to auser's wrist.

Although a single attachment unit 12 is discussed herein, a plurality ofattachment units 12 can be coupled to the watch housing 30. Whenmultiple attachment units 12 are used, as shown in FIG. 1, the watchhousing 30 can have a band retaining feature (e.g., channel 16, latch,clip, recess, lock or other such coupling node) on a first side and asecond side of the main body 14. While the band retaining feature ofFIG. 1 is shown as a channel, it will be understood that other retentionmechanisms can be applied. The channel 16 on the first side of the mainbody 14 of the watch housing 30 can receive one of the attachment units12 and the channel 16 on the second side of the main body 14 of thewatch housing 30 can receive another attachment unit 12. The attachmentunits 12 can have a same or different size and/or shape, wherein thesize and/or shape corresponds to a size and/or shape of the respectivechannel 16.

According to some embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 2, the mainbody 14 includes one or more channels 16 that mechanically engage acorresponding attachment unit 12. The channels 16 on the main body 14include an opening while the attachment unit 12 includes a lug that fitswithin the opening. The opening can be configured in a variety ofdifferent shapes and orientations. Further, the opening is configured toremovably receive the lug such as will be described in detail below.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the watch 10 can include componentsfor performing various functions, including interacting with a user. Forexample, the watch 10 can include components for interacting with auser. The touchscreen 20 can provide visual (e.g., image or video)output for the watch 10. The touchscreen 20 may also provide an inputsurface for one or more touch input devices such as a touch sensingdevice, force sensing device, temperature sensing device, and/or afingerprint sensor. The touchscreen 20 may be any size suitable forinclusion at least partially within the housing of the watch 10 and maybe positioned substantially anywhere on the watch 10.

The watch 10 can further include one or more other user interfaces 76for receiving input from and/or providing output to a user. For example,one or more buttons, dials, crowns, switches, or other devices can beprovided for receiving input from a user. The user interface 76 caninclude a speaker, a microphone, and/or a haptic device. A haptic devicecan be implemented as any suitable device configured to provide forcefeedback, vibratory feedback, tactile sensations, and the like. Forexample, in one embodiment, the haptic device may be implemented as alinear actuator configured to provide a punctuated haptic feedback, suchas a tap or a knock.

As further shown in FIG. 2, the watch 10 includes one or more processingunits 72 that include or are configured to access a memory havinginstructions stored thereon. The instructions or computer programs maybe configured to perform one or more of the operations or functionsdescribed with respect to the watch 10. The processing units 72 can beimplemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving,or transmitting data or instructions. For example, the processing units72 may include one or more of: a microprocessor, a central processingunit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digitalsignal processor (DSP), or combinations of such devices. As describedherein, the term “processor” is meant to encompass a single processor orprocessing unit, multiple processors, multiple processing units, orother suitably configured computing element or elements. The memory canstore electronic data that can be used by the watch 10. For example, amemory can store electrical data or content such as, for example, audioand video files, documents and applications, device settings and userpreferences, timing and control signals or data for the various modules,data structures or databases, and so on. The memory can be configured asany type of memory. By way of example only, the memory can beimplemented as random access memory, read-only memory, Flash memory,removable memory, or other types of storage elements, or combinations ofsuch devices.

As further shown in FIG. 2, the watch 10 may include a communicationcomponent 74 that facilitates transmission of data and/or power to orfrom other electronic devices across standardized or proprietaryprotocols. For example, a communication component 74 can transmitelectronic signals via a wireless and/or wired network connection.Examples of wireless and wired network connections include, but are notlimited to, cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, infrared, RFID and Ethernet.

As further shown in FIG. 2, the watch 10 may also include one or moresensors 78, such as biosensors, positioned substantially anywhere on thewatch 10. The one or more sensors 78 may be configured to sensesubstantially any type of characteristic such as, but not limited to,images, pressure, light, touch, force, temperature, position, motion,and so on. For example, the sensor(s) 78 may be a photodetector, atemperature sensor, a light or optical sensor, an atmospheric pressuresensor, a humidity sensor, a magnet, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, andso on. In other examples, the watch 10 may include one or more healthsensors. In some examples, the health sensors can be disposed on abottom surface of the housing of the watch 10, such as near the rearcover 22. The one or more sensors 78 can include optical and/orelectronic biometric sensors that may be used to compute one or morebiometric characteristic. A sensor 78 can include a light source and aphotodetector to form a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor. Light can betransmitted from the sensor 78, to the user, and back to the sensor 78.For example, the main body 14 and/or the rear cover 22 can provide oneor more windows 90 (e.g., opening, transmission medium, and/or lens) totransmit light to and/or from the sensor 78. The optical (e.g., PPG)sensor or sensors may be used to compute various biometriccharacteristic including, without limitation, a heart rate, arespiration rate, blood oxygenation level, a blood volume estimate,blood pressure, or a combination thereof. One or more of the sensors 78may also be configured to perform an electrical measurement using one ormore electrodes. The electrical sensor(s) may be used to measureelectrocardiographic (ECG) characteristics, galvanic skin resistance,and other electrical properties of the user's body. Additionally oralternatively, a sensor 78 can be configured to measure bodytemperature, exposure to UV radiation, and other health-relatedinformation.

As further shown in FIG. 2, the watch 10 may include a battery 80 thatis used to store and provide power to the other components of the watch10. The battery 80 may be a rechargeable power supply that is configuredto provide power to the watch 10. The watch 10 may also be configured torecharge the battery 80 using a wireless charging system.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of the watch 10 of FIG. 1 according toone or more embodiments of the present disclosure. A rear cover 22 ormultiple rear covers can be provided over a portion of the main body 14.The button 34 can be disposed on an underside of the main body 14.Alternatively or additionally, the button 34 can be disposed orpositioned on a top side of the main body 14. The rear cover 22 cansurround at least a portion of one or more buttons 34. According to someembodiments, the button 34 can be used to release a locking mechanism ofthe attachment unit 12 from the channel 16. Actuation of the button 34releases the attachment unit 12, which enables the attachment unit 12 tobe removed from the channel 16.

The rear cover 22 can cover a substantial portion of the main body 14 ofthe watch 10. For example, the rear cover 22 can cover a majority of themain body 14 on one side thereof (e.g., more than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or90% or up to 100% of a surface area on a side of the main body 14). Therear cover 22 can extend approximately from one channel to anotherchannel that are both within the main body 14. The rear cover 22 canprovide an entirety of the surface of the housing that is contacted bythe wrist of the user when the watch 10 is worn.

The rear cover 22 can include one or more components 88 that providecommunication, access, or functions on or through the rear cover 22. Thecomponents 88 can include one or more windows 90, one or more electrodes92, and/or one or more modules 94. While the components 88 of FIG. 3 arerepresented as squares aligned in a grid pattern, it will be understoodthat the components 88 can be of any size, shape, and/or arrangement.For example, the components 88 can be square, rectangular, polygonal,round, curved, arcuate, circular, semi-circular, flat, or another shape.The components 88 (e.g., windows 90, electrodes 92, and/or modules 94)can be the same size, different sizes, the same shape, or differentshapes. The components 88 (e.g., windows 90, electrodes 92, and/ormodules 94) can be distributed in a pattern or another arrangement alongthe surface of the rear cover 22. At least a pair of the components 88of one type (e.g., windows 90, electrodes 92, and modules 94) can beseparated from each other by components 88 of another type. One or moreof the components 88 (e.g., windows 90, electrodes 92, and modules 94)can partially or entirely surround another one or more of the components88 (e.g., windows 90, electrodes 92, and modules 94). For example, atleast some of the electrodes 92 can partially or entirely surround oneor more of the windows 90 and/or modules 94. At least some of thewindows 90 can partially or entirely surround one or more other windows90. For example, one or more central windows 90 can be used to transmitlight in one direction, and other surrounding windows 90 can be used totransmit light in another direction. Additionally or alternatively, thewindows 90 can partially or entirely surround one or more of theelectrodes 92 and/or modules 94. The components 88 can extend along aninner and/or outer surface of the rear cover 22 and/or extend into orthrough the width of the rear cover 22 (e.g., between and to opposingsides of the rear cover 22).

The rear cover 22 can provide one or more windows 90 forming opticalpathways to transmit light to and/or from a sensor within the main body14. With light transmitted through the windows 90, an optical (e.g.,PPG) sensor or sensors can be used to compute various biometriccharacteristics including, without limitation, a heart rate, arespiration rate, blood oxygenation level, a blood volume estimate,blood pressure, or a combination thereof. The windows 90 can form anopening, a transmission medium, an optical filter, and/or a lens. Itwill be appreciated that any number of windows 90 can be provided. Oneor more windows 90 can provide transmission of light from alight-emitting device within the main body 14. One or more windows 90can provide transmission of light to a light-detecting device (e.g.,sensor) within the main body 14. The windows 90 can be of any size,shape, and arrangement. For example, the windows 90 can be arranged toalign with a sensor and/or a target region or regions of the user whenthe watch is worn by the user.

The rear cover 22 can provide one or more electrodes 92 to provide anelectrically conductive pathway through or along the rear cover 22. Theelectrodes 92 can be operated to perform an electrical measurement, forexample, to measure electrocardiographic (ECG) characteristics, galvanicskin resistance, and other electrical properties of the user's bodyand/or the environment. It will be appreciated that any number ofelectrodes 92 can be provided. Each electrode 92 can be insulated fromother electrodes 92 and/or other components of the watch. One or moreelectrodes 92 can operate as a first terminal, and one or moreelectrodes 92 can operate as an additional terminal. The electrodes 92can be of any size, shape, and arrangement. For example, the electrodes92 can be arranged to align with a target region or regions of the userwhen the watch is worn by the user.

The rear cover 22 can provide one or more modules 94 providingadditional functionality. The one or more modules 94 can provide offacilitate measurements of body temperature, exposure to UV radiation,and other health-related information. The one or more modules 94 canprovide of facilitate measurements of body temperature, exposure to UVradiation, and other health-related information. The one or more modules94 can be configured to provide or facilitate detection of images,pressure, light, touch, force, temperature, position, motion, and so on.The one or more modules 94 can include or facilitate operation of atemperature sensor, a light or optical sensor, an atmospheric pressuresensor, a humidity sensor, a magnet, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, andso on. The one or more modules 94 can include an opening extendingpartially or entirely through the rear cover 22 to provide exposure toan external environment, for example, for measurements.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the watch 10 of FIG.1 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Thebutton 34 can be positioned between the rear cover 22 and the main body14. By providing the rear cover 22 and the main body 14 on oppositesides of the button 34, the watch 10 can be assembled to contain thebutton 34. As such, the button 34 can be a unibody structure, ratherthan an assembly of parts that are assembled within the watch 10. Asused herein, a unibody structure is one that is integrally formed of asingle piece. For example, the button 34 can be a monolithic structure.By providing a unibody button 34, the button 34 does not containdimensional variations that occur in assembled parts. Accordingly, theunibody button 34 can be fabricated to more precise and consistentdimensions. This allows the unibody button 34 to more accurately matchthe dimensions of the main body 14 and the rear cover 22 into which theunibody button 34 is placed.

According to some embodiments, the button 34 is aligned with a housingopening 26 of the main body 14. The housing opening 26 extends throughthe main body 14 at least to the channels 16. In some embodiments, thehousing opening 26 is positioned within the channel 16 such that thelocking mechanism of the attachment unit 12 is aligned with the housingopening 26 when the sides of the attachment unit 12 are flush orsubstantially flush with respect to the channel 16 and/or one or moresidewalls of the main body 14. For example, the channel 16 of the mainbody 14 is configured to receive either a proximal end or a distal endof the attachment unit 12. Once either the proximal end or the distalend of the attachment unit 12 has been received by the channel 16, theattachment unit 12 can slide or move within the channel 16 until thelocking mechanism of the attachment unit 12 expands into, engages with,or otherwise enters the housing opening 26 contained within the mainbody 14.

According to some embodiments, the button 34 is aligned with a coveropening 24 of the rear cover 22. The cover opening 24 extends throughthe rear cover 22 to opposite surfaces thereof. The rear cover 22 can beplaced on the main body 14 so that the button 34 is secured within thehousing opening 26 and the cover opening 24. The user can access thebutton 34 at the cover opening 24 of the rear cover 22. The button 34can be movable through at least part of the cover opening 24 and thehousing opening 26 while the rear cover 22 is affixed to the main body14.

The housing opening 26 and the cover opening 24 can provide one or moreof a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate portions of the button34. For example, the shape and/or size of the housing opening 26 and thecover opening 24 can complement corresponding portions of the button 34.The housing opening 26 and/or the cover opening 24 can have across-sectional shape that is round, rectangular, oval, oblong,lozenge-shaped, and/or polygonal. The housing opening 26 and the coveropening 24 can have the same or different shapes and/or sizes. Accordingto some embodiments, the cover opening 24 is larger than the housingopening 26 to accommodate a fingernail and/or tool to actuate the button34. Separate housing openings 26 of a given main body 14 can have thesame or different shapes and/or sizes. Separate cover openings 24 of agiven rear cover 22 can have the same or different shapes and/or sizes.For any given housing opening 26 or cover opening 24, thecross-sectional shape and/or size can be the same or vary along thedepth thereof.

According to some embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 5, theattachment unit 12 can be laterally inserted into the main body 14 ofthe watch 10. As such, the attachment unit 12 can be configured to sliderelative to the main body 14 of the watch 10. Alternatively oradditionally, the attachment unit 12 can be pressed, snap fit orotherwise forwardly inserted into the channel 16 of the main body 14.Once inserted, the attachment unit 12 can be locked or otherwise securedwithin the main body 14. For example, a locking mechanism (e.g., a lug)can engage at least the housing opening 26 within the channel 16.

FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view of the watch 10 of FIG. 1 accordingto one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The attachmentunit 12 is shown within a channel 16, which separates portions of themain body 14 from each other. According to some embodiments, for exampleas shown in FIG. 6, the button is moveably contained between the rearcover 22 and the main body 14, which are coupled to each other. Thecover opening 24 of the rear cover 22 is provided across from a housingopening 26 of the main body 14, so that a continuous opening is providedfrom the channel 16 to an outer surface of the rear cover 22. A lockingmechanism (e.g., lug 8) of the attachment unit 12 engages within thehousing opening 26 when aligned therewith. In this position, theattachment unit 12 is unable to move within or be removed from thechannel 16 until the lug 8 is released form the housing opening 26.

According to some embodiments, the button 34 comprises various regions.The regions of the button 34 are not distinctly separable, but ratherregions of the unibody structure. The button 34 includes a rear portion40 that can extend at least partially through the cover opening 24. Therear portion 40 can be accessed by a user for actuation. In a restposition (e.g., when not actuated by a user), the rear portion 40 can beflush with a surface of the rear cover 22. The rear portion 40 can forma spline within the rear cover 22 so that the surface of the rearportion 40 is continuous with the surface of the rear cover 22. The rearportion 40 has a contour that matches a contour of the surface of therear cover 22. The button 34 further includes a channel portion 44 thatcan extend at least partially through the housing opening 26. Thechannel portion 44 can engage the lug 8 of the attachment unit 12 whenthe button 34 is actuated. Between the rear portion 40 and the channelportion 44, the button 34 includes a flange 42 for engaging otherstructures.

According to some embodiments, the rear portion 40 of the button 34 caninclude or be coupled to a cap (not shown). The cap can be of adifferent material and/or have a cosmetic feature that is different thanthat of the rear portion 40. For example, the cap can cosmetically matcha surface of the rear cover 22. At least some of the cap extendsoutwardly toward or through the cover opening 24.

The button 34 is biased to a rest position. According to someembodiments, the button 34 is biased so that the flange 42 is pressedagainst the rear cover 22. One or more spring elements 46 can beprovided between the button 34 (e.g., the flange 42) and the main body14. According to some embodiments, the spring elements 46 can include acoil spring, a compression spring, a leaf spring, a torsion spring,cantilever spring, or a structure of an elastic material.

The spring elements can bias the button 34 into the cover opening 24 oragainst the rear cover 22. The spring elements 46 can also bias thebutton 34 away from the main body 14, the housing opening 26, and/or thelug 8 of the attachment unit 12. The spring elements 46 apply a force tothe button 34 at least when the button 34 is depressed by a user. Theforce can be normal to the cover opening 24, so that the button 34 isradially aligned within the cover opening 24, rather than deflected toone side thereof. The spring elements 46 can continue to apply a forceto the button 34 when not depressed, so the button is maintained awayfrom the lug 8. Because the button 34 is a unibody structure, theposition of every part of the button 34 is predictable when the springelements 46 acts presses the flange 42 against the rear cover 22. Forexample, the movement and position of the flange 42 is controlled basedon the bias of the spring elements 46 and the limit provided by the rearcover 22. Accordingly, the rear portion 40 and the channel portion 44are moved and positioned in direct relation to the flange 42 where allparts are of a unibody structure. With this result, the entire button 34can be sized and shaped to fit relative to the main body 14 and the rearcover 22 with lower tolerances than would be required with buttons ofmultiple assembled parts.

FIG. 7 illustrates a sectional view of the watch 10 of FIG. 6 with thebutton actuated by a user according to one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure. To release the attachment unit 12 from the channel16, the button 34 is actuated. When actuated, the button 34 can move sothat the channel portion 44 of the button 34 moves towards and partiallythrough the housing opening 26. Actuation of the button 34 expels thelug 8 from the housing opening 26. As shown in FIG. 8, this also enablesthe attachment unit 12 to once again freely move or slide within thechannel 16 of the main body 14 or be pulled out from the front face ofthe channel 16. For example, when actuated, the button 34 can move sothat the channel portion 44 is flush with a surface of the channel 16.The channel portion 44 can form a spline within the main body 14 so thatthe surface of the channel portion 44 is continuous with the surface ofthe channel 16. The channel portion 44 has a contour that matches acontour of the surface of the channel 16. When released, the button 34can return to the rest position by action of the spring elements 46.

According to some embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 9, thebutton 34 is biased with one or more of a variety of spring elements.For example, one or more extension arms 52 can extend from the button 34toward the main body 14. The extension arms 52 can be parts of acontinuous structure. The extension arms 52 can be integrated into thebutton 34, for example by welding or overmolding. Each of the extensionarms 52 is fixed a corresponding retention member 54 that is attached tothe main body 14. The extension arms 52 can be resilient, so that theytend to push against the retention members 54 and bias the button 34against the rear cover 22.

Other configurations for biasing the button 34 against the rear cover 22are contemplated. For example, the button 34 can be biased against therear cover 22 with a spring element that is connected to the button 34and the rear cover 22. The spring element can include a tension springbetween the button 34 and the rear cover 22 that stretches when thebutton is depressed and applies a tension force on the button to bias itagainst the rear cover 22. The spring element need not between thebutton 34 and the rear cover 22. For example, the spring element canconnect a side of the button 34 facing the channel 16 with a portion ofthe rear cover 22 that is outside the periphery of the button 34.

According to some embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 10, thebutton 34 and the cover opening 24 have complementary shapes thatfacilitate radial alignment of the button within the cover opening 24.As shown in FIG. 10, the rear portion 40 of the button 34 can have atapered cross-sectional dimension along a depth thereof. The coveropening 24 can also have a tapered cross-sectional dimension along adepth thereof. The shape for either can, for example, form a frustrum(e.g., frustoconical, etc.). The shape can be complementary so that thebutton 34 is radially aligned within the cover opening 24 by movingaxially into the cover opening 24. Where radial misalignment occurs,reentry into the cover opening 24 can restore proper alignment.Furthermore, engagement between the button 34 and the cover opening 24can occur when a surface of the button 34 is flush with a surface of therear cover 22.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a button(e.g., unibody button) for retaining and releasing an attachment unit ofa watchband from a channel of a watch housing. The button is moveablycontained between the watch housing and a rear cover, against which thebutton is biased. With a unibody construction, the button is able to bemade with small tolerances. Fabrication of a small unibody part is morestraightforward and less expensive than multiple constituent parts. Thetotal number of parts is reduced, thereby simplifying assembly. Byeliminating interfaces between constituent parts of a button, activity(e.g., forces, biasing, and engagement) at one portion of the buttontranslates directly to other portions thereof. Assembly tolerances andsubsequent cosmetic variation of the button to the surrounding surfacesare reduced due to elimination of the button assembly requirement.

A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean oneand only one unless specifically so stated, but rather one or more. Forexample, “a” module may refer to one or more modules. An elementproceeded by “a,” “an,” “the,” or “said” does not, without furtherconstraints, preclude the existence of additional same elements.

Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and donot limit the invention. The word exemplary is used to mean serving asan example or illustration. To the extent that the term include, have,or the like is used, such term is intended to be inclusive in a mannersimilar to the term comprise as comprise is interpreted when employed asa transitional word in a claim. Relational terms such as first andsecond and the like may be used to distinguish one entity or action fromanother without necessarily requiring or implying any actual suchrelationship or order between such entities or actions.

Phrases such as an aspect, the aspect, another aspect, some aspects, oneor more aspects, an implementation, the implementation, anotherimplementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, anembodiment, the embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one ormore embodiments, a configuration, the configuration, anotherconfiguration, some configurations, one or more configurations, thesubject technology, the disclosure, the present disclosure, othervariations thereof and alike are for convenience and do not imply that adisclosure relating to such phrase(s) is essential to the subjecttechnology or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of thesubject technology. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may apply toall configurations, or one or more configurations. A disclosure relatingto such phrase(s) may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as anaspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa,and this applies similarly to other foregoing phrases.

A phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the terms“and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as awhole, rather than each member of the list. The phrase “at least one of”does not require selection of at least one item; rather, the phraseallows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items,and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least oneof each of the items. By way of example, each of the phrases “at leastone of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” refers to only A,only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least oneof each of A, B, and C.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps,operations, or processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplaryapproaches. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is understood thatthe specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes maybe performed in different order. Some of the steps, operations, orprocesses may be performed simultaneously. The accompanying methodclaims, if any, present elements of the various steps, operations orprocesses in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to thespecific order or hierarchy presented. These may be performed in serial,linearly, in parallel or in different order. It should be understoodthat the described instructions, operations, and systems can generallybe integrated together in a single software/hardware product or packagedinto multiple software/hardware products.

In one aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer to being directlycoupled. In another aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer tobeing indirectly coupled.

Terms such as top, bottom, front, rear, side, horizontal, vertical, andthe like refer to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to theordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, such a term may extendupwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitationalframe of reference.

The disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art topractice the various aspects described herein. In some instances,well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form inorder to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. Thedisclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and thesubject technology is not limited to these examples. Variousmodifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilledin the art, and the principles described herein may be applied to otheraspects.

All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the variousaspects described throughout the disclosure that are known or later cometo be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expresslyincorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed bythe claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to bededicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure isexplicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construedunder the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless theelement is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in thecase of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “stepfor”.

The title, background, brief description of the drawings, abstract, anddrawings are hereby incorporated into the disclosure and are provided asillustrative examples of the disclosure, not as restrictivedescriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they will notbe used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in thedetailed description, it can be seen that the description providesillustrative examples and the various features are grouped together invarious implementations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.The method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the claimed subject matter requires more features thanare expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the claims reflect,inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a singledisclosed configuration or operation. The claims are hereby incorporatedinto the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as aseparately claimed subject matter.

The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects describedherein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with thelanguage of the claims and to encompass all legal equivalents.Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subjectmatter that fails to satisfy the requirements of the applicable patentlaw, nor should they be interpreted in such a way.

What is claimed is:
 1. A watch housing comprising: a main body having afirst opening and a band retaining feature for receiving a watchband; arear cover having a second opening; a button comprising a flange andextending at least partially through the first opening and secondopening; and a spring element between the flange and the main body. 2.The watch housing of claim 1, further comprising: a touchscreenconfigured to display a visual output to a user and receive touch inputfrom a user; a microphone; a speaker; a communication component forcommunicating wirelessly with another device; and a sensor configured todetect a characteristic of a user through the rear cover.
 3. The watchhousing of claim 1, further comprising: a photoplethysmography sensorcomprising a light source and a photodetector, wherein the rear coverincludes a first window for transmitting light from the light source anda second window for transmitting light to the photodetector.
 4. Thewatch housing of claim 1, further comprising: a sensor configured todetect electrocardiographic (ECG) characteristics of a user, wherein therear cover includes an electrode operably connected to the sensor. 5.The watch housing of claim 1, wherein the first opening and the secondopening are connected to form a continuous space within the watchhousing.
 6. The watch housing of claim 1, wherein the flange is betweena first portion of the button and a second portion of the button.
 7. Thewatch housing of claim 1, wherein the button is moveable between a firstposition with the first portion at least partially within the firstopening and a second position with the second portion at least partiallywithin the second opening.
 8. The watch housing of claim 1, wherein thebutton is accessible by a user through the second opening.
 9. A watchhousing comprising: a main body having a band retaining feature forreceiving a watchband; a rear cover; and a button at least partiallybetween the main body and the rear cover, wherein the button is biasedtoward the rear cover, wherein when the button is depressed it releasesthe watchband from the band retaining feature, and wherein movement ofthe button with respect to the band retaining feature is limited by themain body.
 10. The watch housing of claim 9, further comprising a sensorconfigured to sense a heart rate of a user through the rear cover. 11.The watch housing of claim 9, further comprising a sensor configured todetect electrocardiographic (ECG) characteristics of a user, wherein therear cover includes an electrode operably connected to the sensor. 12.The watch housing of claim 9, wherein the button is biased to a restposition in which the button rests against the rear cover.
 13. The watchhousing of claim 12, wherein the button, while in the rest position, hasa surface that is flush and continuous with a surface of the rear cover.14. The watch housing of claim 9, wherein the band retaining featurecomprises a channel and the button is moveable toward the channel untila surface of the button is flush and continuous with a surface of thechannel.
 15. The watch housing of claim 9, wherein when the button isdepressed it actuates a portion of the watchband that interacts with thewatch housing.
 16. The watch housing of claim 9, wherein movement of thebutton away from the band retaining feature is limited by the rearcover.
 17. A watch housing comprising: a main body having a channel forreceiving a watchband and a first opening extending to the channel; arear cover having a second opening; a button comprising a first portionextending at least partially through the first opening, a second portionextending at least partially through the second opening, and a flangebetween the first portion and the second portion; and a spring elementbetween the flange and the main body, wherein the spring element biasesthe flange against the rear cover, wherein the button is depressableaway from the rear cover to release the watchband from the channel. 18.The watch housing of claim 17, wherein: the rear cover is coupled to themain body; the first opening and the second opening are connected toform a continuous space within the watch housing; the flange has across-sectional dimension that is larger than the first opening and thesecond opening; the first portion of the button forms a spline withinthe first opening and the second portion of the button forms a splinewithin the second opening; and the button is moveable between a firstposition with the first portion flush with the channel and a secondposition with the second portion flush with a surface of the rear cover.19. The watch housing of claim 17, wherein the watch housing contains asensor and the rear cover comprises a window for transmitting light toor from the sensor.
 20. The watch housing of claim 17, wherein thespring element comprises a resilient arm that extends from the button toa retention member attached to the main body.
 21. The watch housing ofclaim 17, wherein the second opening of the rear cover and the secondportion of the button each has a tapered cross-sectional dimension alonga depth thereof.